Raising Of The Cross - Rembrandt

The Raising of the Cross - Rembrandt - 1633

In 1633, Rembrandt (Harmenszoon van Rijn) completed painting "The Raising of the Cross."  (Displayed at left.) Though other painters had depicted this scene, this was the first where the artist portrayed himself in the scene - you can see him in the center of the scene with the beret cap.

While some art critics commented that Remrandt inserted himself at a vain effort to display piety, or simply to vaingloriously insert himself in a major work of art, I (and other art scholars) tend to believe that Rembrandt, a devoted Christian, though an imperfect man, meant to show that he understood that his sins drove Christ to the Cross - and meant to show this understanding to the world.

I find this painting inspiring - especially during Lent.  Often we find ourselves in the middle of a debate - did the Jews crucify Jesus - or did the Romans (through Pontius Pilate).  The truth as conveyed in the New Testament is our sins drove Jesus to the Cross, as the New Testament affirms in several passages- or perhaps more accurately - Jesus Christ submitted himself to the Cross in order to take our place for the punishment we deserved for the sins we committed, in the supreme ultimate act of love.  This is the heart of the gospel (good news) message.